Countdown game for a gaming device

ABSTRACT

A countdown game which is played in conjunction with a primary game on a gaming device or other game player terminal is disclosed herein. The countdown game enhances bonus game play by providing a “countdown indicator” which advances and retreats through various stages or levels of play. The player further accumulates a prize amount which may be won, lost or increased during play.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to the provisional applicationentitled “COUNTDOWN GAME,” Ser. No. 60/182,321 filed on Feb. 11, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention pertains generally to gaming devices. Moreparticularly, the invention is a countdown game suitable for use with agaming device having a primary game.

[0004] 2. The Prior Art

[0005] Secondary bonus games for use with gaming devices are known. Forexample, secondary games have been regularly implemented as a “top box”game in conjunction with slot-type wagering devices. One popular bonusgame is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,932 to Adams entitled “METHOD OFPLAYING GAME AND GAMING GAMES WITH AN ADDITIONAL PAYOUT INDICATOR”. TheAdams patent discloses a bonus payout indicator comprising a wheel,which indicates one of a plurality of randomly selected bonus payouts,the bonus payout wheel used in conjunction with a three-reel slotmachine. The bonus payout wheel is actuated when the reels on the slotmachine stop on certain predetermined indicia and pays the playeraccording to the bonus payout indicator. Many similar games appear inthe European gaming market.

[0006] Such bonus games provide the player with additional excitementand amusement above and beyond game results from the primary (e.g.,three reel slot) game. However, many bonus games, including the bonusgame disclosed in Adams, provide limited excitement and amusement inthat play on the secondary game is limited to a single action or event,such as activating a bonus wheel or otherwise generating a random“bonus” result.

[0007] In contrast, investment bonus games provide the added excitementof allowing the user to “earn” the bonus award based on a plurality ofevents (as opposed to a single event) in the primary game. For example,the “Bonus Bell” game by Mills™ allows the users to collect the lettersforming the word “BONUS” during play of the primary slot game. After theplayer collects the entire group of letters to form the word “BONUS”,the player is awarded a predetermined bonus amount.

[0008] Unfortunately, most prior art investment bonus games are linearor otherwise lack a diversity of outcome. That is, most investment bonusgames are structured so that the bonus is awarded upon a fixed orpredetermined event (e.g., collecting the words “BONUS”). The playergenerally plays enough credits so as to satisfy the requirement for thebonus award event. Such game play has limited excitement and amusementto a player.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] To satisfy these and other disadvantages of the prior art,disclosed herein is a countdown game which is played in conjunction witha primary game on a gaming device or other game player terminal. Thecountdown game enhances bonus game play by providing a “countdownindicator” which advances and retreats through various stages or levelsof play. The player further accumulates a prize amount which is stored(or collected) and which may be won, lost or increased during play.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the countdown gamecomprises a countdown indicator, a prize value indicator, a countdownindicator adjuster, and a prize collection display.

[0011] The countdown indicator comprises a plurality of stop positionsand counts down from an initial position. Some of the stop positions areidentified as “winning” stops while others are “non-winning” stops. A“top award” stop position (e.g., 1) may also be provided, where a playeris awarded some “top award” when the countdown indicator counts down andlands on the “top award” stop position. The countdown indicator isresponsive to game results of the primary game (or a plurality ofprimary games) as well as to the countdown indicator adjuster asdescribed more fully below. The countdown indicator may be responsiveplay from a plurality of primary games, where, for example, a bank ofprimary games are tied to a single countdown game, each player of theprimary game participating on play in the countdown game (e.g., in acompetitive or cooperative format).

[0012] The prize value indicator may comprise a plurality of prizevalues, at least one of which is indicated by the prize value indicator.The indicated prize value may be accumulated into an accumulated prizevalue, which is indicated to the user by the prize collection display.The prizes indicated by the prize value indicator may comprise suchawards as play credits, currency amounts, tangible prizes, free games orre-plays on the primary game, for example. The prizes may even be acombination of any such awards. Some prizes may be accumulated, but mayrequire that a designated countdown stop position be achieved beforebeing awarded.

[0013] The countdown indicator adjuster comprises a plurality of stopadjustments, one of which is indicated by the countdown indicatoradjuster. According to the indicated stop adjustment, the countdownindicator adjuster is configured to adjust the countdown indicator ineither direction—forward (i.e., count down zero or more stop positions)or backward (i.e., count-back one or more stop positions). According toone embodiment, a “blank” or “reset” stop adjustment is furtheravailable for selection by the countdown indicator adjuster. If thecountdown indictor adjuster lands on or otherwise selects the “blank”stop adjustment, the accumulated prize value in the prize collectiondisplay is reset, and the countdown indicator is reset to its initialposition. According to other embodiments of the invention, the stopadjustments may specify adjustments to the primary game, such as reelnudging, re-spins of reels, or bonus game play on the primary game, forexample.

[0014] The countdown game is triggered by the play on the primary game.For example, the triggering event may be any win, special symbol(s), orother designated display indicators occurring on the primary game. Inaddition, the primary game may be any game of chance (e.g., slots,poker, keno, bingo) or lottery-based game (e.g., video-lottery).

[0015] When a triggering event occurs on the primary game, the countdownindicator is activated to countdown a predetermined number of stoppositions (e.g., one stop position or a number of stop positions asindicated by the triggering event). The triggering event may alsospecify a direction (e.g., forward, backward, random) for theadjustment. In addition, the prize value indicator and the countdownindicator adjuster are activated. The prize value (or prize item)indicated by the prize value indicator is added to (or collected into)the accumulated prize value (which may be initially set to zero (0) orsome other predetermined or designated reset value). The accumulatedprize value is then indicated by the prize collection display, which maydisplay such information as total accumulated prize value or imagesdepicting the prize(s) in the accumulated prize value.

[0016] The stop adjustment indicated by the by countdown indicatoradjuster is also applied to adjust the stop position of the countdownindicator (i.e., forward, backward, reset or no adjustments). If thecountdown indicator lands on a “winning” stop position, the player isawarded some or all of the prize value as indicated by the prizecollection display. If the countdown indicator lands a “non-winning”stop position, the player may not be awarded the prize value indicatedby the prize collection display, but the player may accumulate furtherprize values during successive games.

[0017] Under this countdown game play, the player progresses (andregresses) through stages or levels as indicated by the countdownindicator, providing more excitement and fun. In addition, the playeraccumulates a growing prize value as the player progresses/regresses.Furthermore, the countdown indicator adjuster provides yet anothervariable which affects the player's outcome of the countdown game.According to some contemplated embodiments, resets may occur due toother variances, such as due to time. In yet other embodiments, resetsmay not be applied at all, and the countdown indicator may be allowed tocomplete its cycle without resetting to the initial position.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the determinationof whether the countdown indicator lands a “winning” or “non-winning”stop position is not carried out until after the countdown indicatoradjuster has adjusted the countdown indicator. According to anotherembodiment of the invention, if a countdown indicator lands on a“non-winning” stop position, the countdown indicator will reset to itsinitial position and the prize collection display is reset to a resetvalue if the player does not achieve a triggering event in thesubsequent play of the primary game. Under this arrangement, a number ofconsecutive triggering events on the primary game must occur to win the“top award.” In other embodiments, the countdown game may allow apredetermined number of (or series of) non-triggering game events beforethe countdown game is reset. In yet other embodiments, countdown gameresets need not be implemented pursuant to non-triggering primary gameevents. In one example embodiment, the non-triggering event does notproduce a reset, but may adjust the countdown indicator in the reversedirection.

[0019] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, thecountdown indicator comprises a first wheel, the prize value indicatorcomprises a second wheel, and the countdown indicator adjuster comprisesa third wheel, where the first, second and third wheels compriseconcentric wheels.

[0020] The invention further relates to machine readable media on whichare stored embodiments of the present invention. It is contemplated thatany media suitable for retrieving instructions is within the scope ofthe present invention. By way of example, such media may take the formof magnetic, optical, or semiconductor media. The invention also relatesto data structures that contain embodiments of the present invention,and to the transmission of data structures containing embodiments of thepresent invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present invention will be more fully understood by referenceto the following drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only.

[0022]FIG. 1 depicts an example gaming device implementing the countdowngame of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 2 depicts an example embodiment of the countdown game inaccordance with the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram depicting the acts associatedwith carrying out the example countdown game of FIG. 2.

[0025]FIG. 4 depicts an example implementation of the countdown gamewith a bank of primary game devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that thefollowing description of the present invention is illustrative only andnot in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the invention will readilysuggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

[0027] Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrativepurposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus shown FIG.1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 and the method outlined in FIG. 3. It will beappreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as todetails of the parts, and that the method may vary as to details and theorder of the acts, without departing from the basic concepts asdisclosed herein. The invention is disclosed generally in terms of acountdown game for use with gaming devices, although numerous other usesfor the invention will suggest themselves to persons of ordinary skillin the art.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the countdown game 10 of the presentinvention is normally implemented as a “secondary” game on aconventional gaming device I having a primary game 2, such as a slotmachine, video poker machine, keno machine, video lottery machine, amongothers. A triggering event (or “qualifying” event) on the primary game 2triggers play of the countdown game 10. As noted above, the triggeringevent may be any win, special symbol(s), or other designated displayindicators occurring on the primary game. The countdown game may awardprize in such forms as game credits, currency, game plays and/ortangible prizes to the player, based on the combined outcome of theprimary game 2 and the countdown game 10.

[0029] The gaming device 1 suitable for use with the countdown gamecomprises conventional hardware and software components (not shown),including a processor, input/output devices (e.g., player controls, gamedisplays, credit handling), a primary game operable on the processor,and communication means to the countdown game. The gaming device 1 mayalso include network communication means for integration in a local areanetwork, wide area network, or other network arrangement for suchpurposes as player tracking, accounting, maintenance, progressive games,cashless play, and/or other system gaming capabilities. In general, thegaming device manages the wager and payouts, as well as accountingfeatures for both the primary game and the countdown game.

[0030] The present invention contemplates the use of the countdown gamewith a plurality of gaming devices, as shown in the system environment30 of FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the countdown game 34 is associated with a“bank” having a plurality of gaming devices 32 a through 32 n, eachgaming device configured to play the countdown game 34 when anappropriate triggering event occurs on the gaming device. The countdowngame 34 is mounted in a housing 38 and further includes display 36 whichmay be used as a prize display, which is described in further detailbelow in conjunction with FIG. 2. The display 36 may also be used todisplay specific prizes pursuant to the countdown game, such as aprogressive jackpot, for example.

[0031] According to an alternative embodiment of the system environment30 of FIG. 4, the gaming devices 32 a through 32 n may be configured asgaming device 1 of FIG. 1, each having an “individual” countdown game10, and sharing a “common” countdown game 34. This arrangement createseven more excitement and competitive play among players due to themulti-tiered countdown game arrangement which allows even more diversegame play. The triggering event for the “common” countdown game 34 maybe made according to various events, including those from the primarygame and/or the individual countdown game for each game device.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an example countdown game10 in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention.Countdown game 10 may be implemented as a “top box” game in associationwith a primary game on a gaming device. Other means for implementingcountdown game 10 may also be used, including using the video display ofthe primary game to display countdown game 10, for example.

[0033] Countdown game 10 comprises a “countdown indicator” in the formof a countdown wheel 12, a “prize value indicator” in the form of aprize value wheel 14, and a “countdown indicator adjuster” in the formof a countdown adjuster wheel 16. Countdown game 10 further comprises apayline 18 and a “prize collection display” in the form of a prizedisplay 20.

[0034] In general, wheels 12 through 16 are concentrically positionedabout the same axis 22, each wheel 12 though 16 having indicia indicatedon the periphery for display to the user (player) of countdown game 10.The rotation and control of the wheels 12 through 16 according to thelogic of the countdown game 10 may be carried out using conventionalelectromechanical wheel-control system known in the art.

[0035] Countdown wheel 12 includes indicia along its peripherycorresponding to a plurality of stop positions. The “current” stopposition is indicated by the payline 18 across the countdown wheel 12.In the example game of FIG. 1, countdown wheel includes numerical stoppositions identified by the numbers 1 through 17 and an initial stopposition identified as “BLANK”. In other embodiments, the “BLANK” stopposition may be omitted or substituted with other indicia, such as thestarting position from which count down begins. In alternativeembodiments of the invention, the countdown stop position may beindicated by other symbols or indicators, rather than the numericalcountdown as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0036] It is noted that numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14, and 16 arecircled to be distinguished from the others numbers 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13,15, and 17. In this example, the circled numerical stop positions areconsidered “winning” stop positions, while the non-circled numericalstop are considered “non-winning” stop positions. In alternativeembodiments of the invention, the designated “winning” and/or“non-winning” stop positions may be dynamically changed or reassignedduring or between play. For example, the “winning” stop positions may beadjusted according to a predetermined routine (e.g., move forward oneach play) or may be adjusted according to triggering events on theprimary game or may be adjusted according to events on the countdowngame (e.g., adjustments pursuant to the countdown adjuster wheel 16).

[0037] Some prizes may be specified for award on certain stop positions.For example, a “top prize” (e.g., progressive jackpot) may be specifiedwhen a player is able to reach stop position “1.”

[0038] According to the present example embodiment of FIG. 1, when playis first initiated (or otherwise reset), the countdown wheel 12 is resetto the initial position “BLANK”. From the “BLANK” position, thecountdown wheel 12 “counts down” from 17 to 1 (counter-clockwise) asdictated by play (i.e., results from the primary game as well as resultsfrom the countdown adjuster wheel 16) as described further below. Insome cases, the countdown wheel 12 adjusts in a “reverse” direction(clockwise) as described further below. In one of the preferredembodiments, the countdown game 10 is reset (i.e., the countdown wheel12 is reset to “BLANK” and the prize display 20 is reset to “zero” orsome other reset value) when a non-triggering event occurs on theprimary game. In other embodiments, the countdown game may allow apredetermined number of (or series of) non-triggering game events beforethe countdown game is reset. In yet other embodiments, countdown gameresets need not be implemented pursuant to non-triggering primary gameevents. In one example embodiment, the non-triggering event does notproduce a reset, but may adjust the countdown indicator in the reversedirection.

[0039] The prize value wheel 14 includes indicia along its peripherycorresponding to a plurality of prize values. The selected or identifiedprize value is indicated by the payline 18 across the prize value wheel14. The example prize values as shown in FIG. 1 include 100, 5, 25, 30,75, 10, 250, 85, 15, and 25. In other embodiments, the prizes mayinclude other awards, such as tangible prizes (e.g., cars, motorcycles,jewelry, vacation packages) or other awards other than game credits,such a free plays or cash awards, for example. In one embodiment, theprize awards designations may be dynamically assigned. For example,events on the primary game may allow certain prizes (e.g., tangibleprizes) to be made available on the prize value wheel 14.

[0040] When the countdown game 10 is activated, the prize value wheel 14rotates and “lands” on a prize value so that one of the prize values isselected and identified across payline 18. (This prize value amount maybe randomly selected or may be predetermined if drawn from a finite-poolof results). This prize value amount is accumulated with previous prizevalue amounts (if any) for display by the prize display 20. As describedpreviously, when play is first initiated (or otherwise reset), thecountdown wheel 12 is normally reset to the initial position “BLANK”.When game play is first initiated (or otherwise reset), the accumulatedprize value amount indicated in the prize display 20 is also reset tozero or other reset value amount.

[0041] The countdown adjuster wheel 16 includes indicia along itsperiphery corresponding to a plurality of stop adjustments. The selectedor identified stop adjustment is indicated by the payline 18 across thecountdown adjuster wheel 16. The example stop adjustments of FIG. 1include “Skip 1”, “Back 2”, “BLANK”, “Skip 3”, and “Skip 2.” As notedabove, according to other embodiments of the invention, the stopadjustments may specify adjustments to the primary game, such as reelnudging, re-spins of reels, or bonus game play on the primary game, forexample. In yet other alternative embodiments, the stop adjustment mayspecify adjustments to the prize wheel 14, providing another level ofgame diversity.

[0042] When the countdown game 10 is activated, the countdown adjusterwheel 16 rotates and “lands” on a stop adjustment so that one of thestop adjustments is selected and identified across payline 18. (Thisselected stop adjustment (which ultimately affects the outcome ofcountdown game 10) may be randomly selected or may be predetermined ifdrawn from a finite-pool of results).

[0043] The selected stop adjustment is used to “adjust” the countdownwheel 12 zero or more stop positions from its current position. Forexample, a stop adjustment of “Skip 1” would advance the countdown wheel12 one stop position counter-clockwise (e.g., from 17 to 16). A stopadjustment of “Back 2” would adjust the countdown wheel 12 two stopposition clockwise (e.g., from 15 to 17). A stop adjustment of “BLANK”would reset the countdown wheel 12 to the initial position of “BLANK”and would also reset the prize display 20 to zero. Although not shown inthe FIG. 1 example, a stop adjustment of “0” could also be implementedso that if selected, the countdown wheel 12 is not affected.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment, the determination of whether thecountdown wheel 12 lands on a “winning” on “non-winning” stop positionis not carried out until after the countdown adjuster wheel 16 adjuststhe final position of the countdown wheel 12 as described more fullybelow in conjunction with FIG. 2. However, the present invention alsocontemplates that the determination of whether the countdown wheel 12lands on a “winning” on “non-winning” stop position need not requirethat the countdown adjuster wheel 16 and/or prize value wheel 14 befirst applied.

[0045] The method and operation of invention will be more fullyunderstood with reference to the logical flow diagram of FIG. 3, as wellas FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 4. FIG. 3 is a logical flow diagram generallydepicting the acts associated with carrying out the example countdowngame 10 of FIG. 2 in accordance with the invention. The order of actionsas shown in FIG. 3 and described below is only illustrative, and shouldnot be considered limiting.

[0046] First at block 100, the countdown game 10 is reset. When thecountdown game 10 is reset, the countdown wheel 12 is set to its initial“BLANK” position and the prize display 20 is reset to zero (0) or otherreset value. The countdown game 10 may be reset upon the occurrence of avariety of events, including when play is first initiated on the gamingdevice, when the countdown wheel 12 lands on a “winning” stop positionand the player is awarded the prize value of the prize display 20, whenthe countdown adjuster wheel lands on “BLANK”, or when a non-triggeringevent occurs on the primary game, for example.

[0047] Next at block 110, the player initiates game play of the primarygame. For example in a slot primary game, the player initiates play ofthe slot reels.

[0048] Next at decision block 120, the primary game is evaluated todetermine whether a countdown game triggering event has occurred. Asnoted above, the triggering event may be any win, special symbol(s), orother designated display indicators occurring on the primary game. If atriggering event has occurred processing continues to block 130,otherwise, the countdown game is reset at block 100. As noted above, inalternative embodiments, the countdown game 10 need not reset simplyupon the occurrence of a non-triggering game event. Thus, the reset maysimply be omitted or may be carried according to other game rules, suchas the requirement of a predetermined number of non-triggering gameevents.

[0049] At block 130, the countdown wheel 12 is decremented apredetermined number of stop positions from its current position. In thepreferred embodiment, the countdown wheel 12 is decremented one stopposition. For example, if the countdown wheel 12 is currently at“BLANK”, the countdown wheel 12 advances to stop position “17”.Similarly, if the countdown wheel 12 is currently at stop position “15”,the countdown wheel 12 advances to stop position “14”. According to analternative embodiment, indicia (or combination of indicia) indicated bythe result of the primary game may define the number of stop positionsto decrement the countdown wheel 12.

[0050] Next at block 140, the prize value wheel 14 and the countdownadjuster wheel 16 is rotated. This process may be carried out at thesame time the countdown wheel 12 is decremented at block 130.

[0051] Next at block 150, the prize value wheel 14 stops so that payline18 indicates one of the prize values on the prize value wheel 14. Asdescribed above, the prize value wheel 14 may be caused to rotate andstop according to a randomly generated process or according to apredetermined result drawn from a finite-pool. At block 160, theselected prize value is then added to (accumulated with) the currentlyaccumulated prize value (if any). The resulting accumulated prize valueis then indicated on the prize display 20.

[0052] At block 170, the countdown adjuster wheel 16 stops so thatpayline 18 indicates one of the stop adjustments indicated by thecountdown adjuster wheel 16. As described above, the countdown adjusterwheel 16 may be caused to rotate and stop according to a randomlygenerated process or according to a predetermined result drawn from afinite-pool.

[0053] Next at block 180, the countdown wheel 12 is adjusted from itscurrent position according to the selected stop adjustment from block170. For example, a stop adjustment of “Skip 1” would advance thecountdown wheel 12 one stop position counter-clockwise (e.g., from 17 to16). A stop adjustment of “Back 2” would adjust the countdown wheel 12two stop position clockwise (e.g., from 15 to 17). A stop adjustment of“BLANK” would reset the countdown wheel 12 to the initial position of“BLANK” and would also reset the prize display 20 to zero.

[0054] At decision block 190, the countdown game 10 evaluates the“final” position of the countdown wheel 12 after adjustment by theprimary game and the countdown adjuster wheel 16. The final position isthat which is indicated by payline 18 across the countdown wheel 12. Ifthe resulting stop position is a “winning” stop position, processingcontinues to block 200 where the player is awarded the prize value inthe prize display 20 and the countdown game 10 is reset at block 100.Otherwise, a “non-winning” stop position has been reached and decisionblock 210 is then carried out.

[0055] At decision block 210, the countdown game 10 determines if thecountdown adjuster wheel 16 indicates a “BLANK” stop adjustment. If so,the countdown game 10 is reset and processing returns to block 100.Otherwise, the current stop position of the countdown wheel 12 and thecollection of prizes in the prize display 20 are maintained, andprocessing returns to block 110, where the player subsequently plays theprimary game to progress further in the countdown game 10.

[0056] Accordingly, it will be seen that this invention provides acountdown game providing enhanced game play of gaming device byproviding a “countdown indicator” which advances and retreats throughvarious stages or levels of play and which further allows the player toaccumulate a prize amount which may be won, lost or increased duringplay. Although the description above contains many specificities, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing an illustration of the presently preferred embodimentof the invention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determinedby the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gaming device configured to allow a player toplay a primary game and a countdown game, said countdown gamecomprising: (a) a countdown indicator comprising a plurality of stoppositions, said countdown indicator is configured to adjust apredetermined number of stop positions when said primary game generatesa triggering game event, said stop position indicated by said countdownindicator maintained over a plurality of game events on said primarygame; and (b) a prize value indicator comprising a plurality of prizevalues, said prize indicator configured to indicate one of said prizevalues, wherein said one indicated prize value may be accumulated with asubsequent indicated prize value into an accumulated prize valuepursuant to subsequent triggering game event.
 2. The gaming device ofclaim 1 , further comprising a prize display configured to display saidone indicated prize value.
 3. The gaming device of claim 1 , whereinsaid prize display is further configured to display said accumulatedprize value.
 4. The gaming device of claim 1 , wherein each of saidplurality of stop positions is identified either as a winning stopposition or a non-winning stop position, said countdown game configuredto award said one indicated prize value and said accumulated prize valueto said player when said countdown indicator stops on a winning stopposition.
 5. The gaming device of claim 1 , wherein said plurality ofstop positions further comprises an initial position, said countdownindicator further configured to reset to said initial position when saidprimary game generates a non-triggering game event.
 6. The gaming deviceof claim 1 , wherein said plurality of stop positions further comprisesan initial position, said countdown indicator further configured toreset to said initial position when said primary game generates apredetermined number of non-triggering game events.
 7. The gaming deviceof claim 1 , wherein said countdown indicator adjusts according to adirection specified by the triggering game event.
 8. The gaming deviceof claim 1 , wherein said prize indicator and said countdown indicatoradjuster are activated only when said primary game generates atriggering game event.
 9. The gaming device of claim 1 , wherein saidprize indicator is further configured to indicate one of said prizevalues according to a random event.
 10. The gaming device of claim 1 ,wherein said prize indicator is further configured to indicate one ofsaid prize values according to a predetermined result as drawn from afinite pool of outcomes.
 11. The gaming device of claim 1 , furthercomprising a countdown indicator adjuster comprising a plurality of stopadjustments, said countdown indicator adjuster configured to indicateone of said stop adjustments.
 12. The gaming device of claim 11 ,wherein said countdown indicator adjuster is further configured toadjust said countdown indicator according to said indicated stopadjustment.
 13. The gaming device of claim 11 , wherein said countdownindicator adjuster is further configured to adjust said primary gameaccording to said indicated stop adjustment.
 14. The gaming device ofclaim 11 , wherein said countdown indicator adjuster is furtherconfigured to indicate one of said stop adjustments according to arandom event.
 15. The gaming device of claim 11 , wherein said countdownindicator adjuster is further configured to indicate one of said stopadjustments according to a predetermined result as drawn from a finitepool of outcomes.
 16. The gaming device of claim 11 , wherein each ofsaid plurality of stop positions of said countdown indicator is furtheridentified either as a winning stop position or a non-winning stopposition, said countdown game configured to award said accumulated prizevalue to said player when said countdown indicator stops on a winningstop position.
 17. The gaming device of claim 16 , wherein saidcountdown game is configured to determine the stop position of saidcountdown indicator only after said countdown indicator adjuster hasadjusted said countdown indicator.
 18. The gaming device of claim 1 ,wherein said countdown indicator comprises a first wheel, said prizevalue indicator comprises a second wheel, and said countdown indicatoradjuster comprises a third wheel.
 19. The gaming device of claim 18 ,wherein said countdown game further comprises a payline indicator acrosseach of said first, second and third wheels.
 20. The gaming device ofclaim 18 , wherein said first, second and third wheel compriseconcentric wheels.
 21. A gaming device configured to allow a player toplay a primary game and a countdown game, said countdown gamecomprising: (a) a countdown indicator comprising a plurality of stoppositions, said countdown indicator responsive to game events generatedby the primary game; (b) a prize value indicator configured to aindicate prize value to be accumulated into an accumulated prize value;(c) a countdown indicator adjuster configured to adjust said countdownindicator; and (d) a prize collection display configured to indicatesaid accumulated prize value, said accumulated prize value awarded tosaid player upon a predetermined game event.
 22. The gaming device ofclaim 21 , wherein each of said plurality of stop positions isidentified either as a winning stop position or a non-winning stopposition, said countdown game configured to award said accumulated prizevalue to said player when said countdown indicator stops on a winningstop position.
 23. The gaming device of claim 21 , wherein saidplurality of stop positions further comprises an initial position, saidcountdown indicator further configured to reset to said initial positionwhen said primary game generates a non-triggering game event.
 24. Thegaming device of claim 21 , wherein said countdown indicator is furtherconfigured to adjust a predetermined number of stop positions when saidprimary game generates a triggering game event.
 25. The gaming device ofclaim 21 , wherein said prize indicator and said countdown indicatoradjuster are activated only when said primary game generates atriggering game event.
 26. The gaming device of claim 21 , wherein saidprize indicator further comprises a plurality of prize values, saidprize indicator configured to indicate one of said prize values.
 27. Thegaming device of claim 26 , wherein said prize indicator is furtherconfigured to indicate one of said prize values according to a randomevent.
 28. The gaming device of claim 26 , wherein said prize indicatoris further configured to indicate one of said prize values according toa predetermined result as drawn from a finite pool of outcomes.
 29. Thegaming device of claim 21 , wherein said countdown indicator adjustercomprises a plurality of stop adjustments, said countdown indicatoradjuster configured to indicate one of said stop adjustments.
 30. Thegaming device of claim 29 , wherein said countdown indicator adjuster isfurther configured to adjust said countdown indicator according to saidindicated stop adjustment.
 31. The gaming device of claim 29 , whereinsaid countdown indicator adjuster is further configured to indicate oneof said stop adjustments according to a random event.
 32. The gamingdevice of claim 29 , wherein said countdown indicator adjuster isfurther configured to indicate one of said stop adjustments according toa predetermined result as drawn from a finite pool of outcomes.
 33. Thegaming device of claim 29 , wherein each of said plurality of stoppositions of said countdown indicator is further identified either as awinning stop position or a non-winning stop position, said countdowngame configured to award said accumulated prize value to said playerwhen said countdown indicator stops on a winning stop position.
 34. Thegaming device of claim 33 , wherein said countdown game is configured todetermine the stop position of said countdown indicator only after saidcountdown indicator adjuster has adjusted said countdown indicator. 35.The gaming device of claim 31 , wherein said countdown indicatorcomprises a first wheel, said prize value indicator comprises a secondwheel, and said countdown indicator adjuster comprises a third wheel.36. The gaming device of claim 35 , wherein said countdown game furthercomprises a payline indicator across each of said first, second andthird wheels.
 37. The gaming device of claim 35 , wherein said first,second and third wheel comprise concentric wheels.
 38. A gaming deviceconfigured to allow a player to play a primary game and a countdowngame, said countdown game comprising: (a) a countdown indicatorcomprising a plurality of stop positions, each of said plurality of stoppositions is identified either as a winning stop position or anon-winning stop position, said countdown indicator responsive to gameevents generated by the primary game; (b) a prize value indicatorconfigured to a indicate prize value to be accumulated into anaccumulated prize value, said countdown game configured to award saidaccumulated prize value to said player when said countdown indicatorstops on a winning stop position; (c) a countdown indicator adjusterconfigured to adjust said countdown indicator; and (d) a prizecollection display configured to indicate said accumulated prize value,said accumulated prize value awarded to said player upon a predeterminedgame event.
 39. The gaming device of claim 38 , wherein said pluralityof stop positions further comprises an initial position, said countdownindicator further configured to reset to said initial position when saidprimary game generates a non-triggering game event.
 40. The gamingdevice of claim 38 , wherein said countdown indicator is furtherconfigured to adjust a predetermined number of stop positions when saidprimary game generates a triggering game event.
 41. The gaming device ofclaim 38 , wherein said prize indicator and said countdown indicatoradjuster are activated only when said primary game generates atriggering game event.
 42. The gaming device of claim 38 , wherein saidprize indicator further comprises a plurality of prize values, saidprize indicator configured to indicate one of said prize values.
 43. Thegaming device of claim 42 , wherein said prize indicator is furtherconfigured to indicate one of said prize values according to a randomevent.
 44. The gaming device of claim 42 , wherein said prize indicatoris further configured to indicate one of said prize values according toa predetermined result as drawn from a finite pool of outcomes.
 45. Thegaming device of claim 38 , wherein said countdown indicator adjustercomprises a plurality of stop adjustments, said countdown indicatoradjuster configured to indicate one of said stop adjustments.
 46. Thegaming device of claim 45 , wherein said countdown indicator adjuster isfurther configured to adjust said countdown indicator according to saidindicated stop adjustment.
 47. The gaming device of claim 45 , whereinsaid countdown indicator adjuster is further configured to indicate oneof said stop adjustments according to a random event.
 48. The gamingdevice of claim 45 , wherein said countdown indicator adjuster isfurther configured to indicate one of said stop adjustments according toa predetermined result as drawn from a finite pool of outcomes.
 49. Thegaming device of claim 38 , wherein said countdown indicator comprises afirst wheel, said prize value indicator comprises a second wheel, andsaid countdown indicator adjuster comprises a third wheel.
 50. Thegaming device of claim 49 , wherein said countdown game furthercomprises a payline indicator across each of said first, second andthird wheels.
 51. The gaming device of claim 49 , wherein said first,second and third wheel comprise concentric wheels.
 52. A gaming systemincluding a plurality of gaming device, each gaming device configured toallow a player to play a primary game, said gaming system furtherincluding a countdown game in communication with each of said gamingdevices, said countdown game comprising: (a) a countdown indicatorcomprising a plurality of stop positions, said countdown indicatorresponsive to game events generated by the primary game; (b) a prizevalue indicator configured to a indicate prize value to be accumulatedinto an accumulated prize value; (c) a countdown indicator adjusterconfigured to adjust said countdown indicator; and (d) a prizecollection display configured to indicate said accumulated prize value,said accumulated prize value awarded to said player upon a predeterminedgame event.
 53. The gaming system of claim 52 , wherein each of saidplurality of stop positions is identified either as a winning stopposition or a non-winning stop position, said countdown game configuredto award said accumulated prize value to said player when said countdownindicator stops on a winning stop position.
 54. The gaming system ofclaim 52 , wherein said countdown indicator is further configured toadjust a predetermined number of stop positions when said primary gamegenerates a triggering game event.
 55. The gaming system of claim 52 ,wherein said prize indicator further comprises a plurality of prizevalues, said prize indicator configured to indicate one of said prizevalues.
 56. The gaming system of claim 52 , wherein said countdownindicator adjuster comprises a plurality of stop adjustments, saidcountdown adjuster configured to indicate one of said stop adjustments.57. The gaming system of claim 56 , wherein said countdown indicatoradjuster is further configured to adjust said countdown indicatoraccording to said indicated stop adjustment.
 58. The gaming system ofclaim 52 , wherein one of said prize values is a progressive award. 59.The gaming system of claim 58 , wherein at least one of said stoppositions is identified as a progressive win stop position, saidcountdown game further configured to award said progressive award tosaid player when said countdown indicator stops on said progressive winstop position.
 60. A method of playing a gaming device having a primarygame and a countdown game, the countdown game having a countdownindicator comprising a plurality of stop positions including at leastone winning stop position and at least one non-winning stop position,said method comprising: adjusting said countdown indicator apredetermined number of stop position when a triggering event occurs onthe primary game; indicating a prize value from a plurality of prizevalues; aggregating said indicated prize value into an aggregated prizevalue; indicating a stop adjustment from a plurality of stopadjustments, said stop adjustment indicating a number of stop positionsto adjust said countdown indicator; adjusting said countdown indicatoraccording to said indicated stop adjustment; determining a “final” stopposition of said countdown indicator; and awarding said aggregated prizevalue when said “fmal” stop position of said countdown indicator is a“winning” stop position.
 61. The method of claim 60 , wherein saidcountdown indicator further comprises an “initial” stop position. 62.The method of claim 61 , further comprising resetting said countdownindicator to said “initial” stop position and said accumulated prizevalue to zero after awarding said accumulated prize value.
 63. Themethod of claim 61 , further comprising resetting said countdownindicator to said “initial” stop position and said accumulated prizevalue to zero when a non-triggering event occurs on the primary game.64. The method of claim 61 , further comprising resetting said countdownindicator to said “initial” stop position and said accumulated prizevalue to zero when said indicated stop adjustment is a reset stopadjustment.
 65. The method of claim 60 , further comprising indicatingsaid accumulated prize value via a prize display.
 66. A gaming deviceconfigured to allow a player to play a primary game and a countdowngame, said countdown game comprising: (a) a countdown wheel comprising aplurality of stop positions, each of said plurality of stop positions isidentified either as a winning stop position or a non-winning stopposition; (b) a prize value wheel configured to a indicate prize valueto be accumulated into an accumulated prize value, said countdown gameconfigured to award said accumulated prize value to said player whensaid countdown indicator stops on a winning stop position; (c) acountdown adjuster wheel configured to adjust said countdown wheel; and(d) a prize collection display configured to indicate said accumulatedprize value, said accumulated prize value awarded to said player upon apredetermined game event.
 67. The gaming device of claim 66 , whereinsaid plurality of stop positions further comprises an initial position,said countdown wheel further configured to reset to said initialposition when said primary game generates a non-triggering game event.68. The gaming device of claim 66 , wherein said countdown wheel isfurther configured to adjust a predetermined number of stop positionswhen said primary game generates a triggering game event.
 69. The gamingdevice of claim 66 , wherein said prize value wheel and said countdownadjuster wheel are activated only when said primary game generates atriggering game event.
 70. The gaming device of claim 66 , wherein saidprize value wheel further comprises a plurality of prize values, saidprize value wheel configured to indicate one of said prize values. 71.The gaming device of claim 66 , wherein said countdown adjuster wheelcomprises a plurality of stop adjustments, said countdown adjuster wheelconfigured to indicate one of said stop adjustments.
 72. The gamingdevice of claim 71 , wherein said countdown adjuster wheel is furtherconfigured to adjust said countdown wheel according to said indicatedstop adjustment.
 73. The gaming device of claim 66 , wherein saidcountdown game further comprises a payline indicator across each of saidcountdown wheel, prize value wheel, and countdown adjuster wheel. 74.The gaming device of claim 66 , wherein said countdown wheel, prizevalue wheel, and countdown adjuster wheel comprise concentric wheels.